Oecetis uncata, Blahnik, Roger J. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2014

Blahnik, Roger J. & Holzenthal, Ralph W., 2014, Review and redescription of species in the Oecetis avara group, with the description of 15 new species (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae), ZooKeys 376, pp. 1-83 : 59-61

Oecetis uncata sp. n. Figs 25, 35, Map 5

Diagnosis.

Oecetis uncata sp. n. is larger than any of the other species of the Oecetis avara group with which it is sympatric, with the exception of Oecetis metlacensis , which is similar in both size and general color (not always as distinct as in Figs 35 and 36). Both species also have the apex of the phallobase V-shaped, as viewed caudally. However, despite the general similarity in color and genitalia, the forewing spots of Oecetis uncata are more rounded and prominent in size than in Oecetis metlacensis and there are several genitalic differences. In general, the populations of Oecetis metlacensis recorded from Costa Rica and Mexico, despite their several differences (see remarks section under Oecetis metlacensis ), resemble each other more closely than either do Oecetis uncata . From Oecetis metlacensis , Oecetis uncata can be distinguished by the shape of the phallobase and also by the inferior appendages of the male. The phallobase is deflected or downturned more apically in Oecetis uncata than in Oecetis metlacensis and the inferior appendage has a ventral lobe that is more distinctly angled and projecting, and has a less prominent basomesal process. At present Oecetis uncata is known from only a restricted area in Costa Rica.

Adult.

Forewing length: male (11.8-13.0 mm), female (10.0-10.5 mm). Color brownish-yellow (slightly darker than Oecetis mexicana , similar to Oecetis metlacensis ); forewing spots distinct, spots at base of discal and thyridial cells and base of fork V largest, moderate in size, slightly ovate, other spots small; veins of forewing chord widely spaced, r and r-m veins usually slightly closer; chord with small spots at juncture of major veins; spots at apices of major veins small but distinct, pigmentation largely confined to vein. Setae along veins in apical part of forewing elongate, semi-prostrate, laterally diverging. Fringe of setae along costal margin of forewing relatively short, dense, not conspicuously erect.

Male genitalia.

Segment IX very short, with elongate setae along posterolateral margin. Tergum X with narrow, deflexed mesal lobe, lobe moderate in length, nearly uniform in width, tapering apically, apex with small sensilla; lobe continuous basoventrally with short, paired lateral membranous projections. Preanal appendage relatively short, length about 2 times maximum width, simple in structure, apical setae elongate. Inferior appendage with prominent rounded dorsal lobe and angularly projecting ventral lobe; dorsal lobe somewhat narrowed dorsally, ventral lobe distinctly projecting, forming approximately right to somewhat obtuse angle with dorsal lobe, apex of ventral lobe rounded, not angular; mesal margin of ventral lobe, as viewed ventrally, only weakly bent near base, apices not strongly diverging; basomesal projection weakly developed, forming short rounded projection with short, stiff setae; dorsal lobe with stout ventrally curved setae on anterior margin, mesally-curved setae on dorsal margin and stout, ventrally-curved setae on mesal surface. Phallobase, as viewed laterally, relatively short, apex very angularly bent or hooked; apex, as viewed caudally, with ventral margin distinctly V-shaped, only weakly keeled ventrally (Fig. 25C). Phallotremal sclerite prominent, basally forming short tubular collar, ventral margin projecting, apex acute; asymmetrical lateral sclerite absent.

Holotype.

Male (pinned), COSTA RICA: Cartago: Reserva Tapantí, Río Dos Amigos & falls, ca. 6 km (rd) NW tunnel, 9°42.240'N, 83°46.980'W, el 1500 m, 23.iii.1991, Holzenthal, Muñoz, Huisman (UMSP) (UMSP000091730).

Paratypes.

COSTA RICA: Cartago: same location as holotype, 20.vi.1992, F. Muñoz, 1 male, 1 female (pinned) (UMSP); Reserva Tapantí, Río Grande de Orosi, 9°41.160'N, 83°45.360'W, el 1650 m, 18-21.iii.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton, Heyn, 4 males (pinned) (UMSP); same location, 8-9.vii.1986, Holzenthal, Heyn, Armitage, 10 males, 10 females (pinned); (UMSP); same location, 15-16.vii.1987, Holzenthal, Morse, Clausen, 2 males (pinned) (UMSP); same location, 7-8.vi.1988, C.M. & O.S. Flint, Holzenthal, 6 males (NMNH); Refugio de la Fauna Tapantí, Río Grande de Orosi at Puente Dos Amigos, el 1600 m, 20.vi.1992, Contreras & Muñoz, 1 male (pinned) (UMSP); San José: Río Parrita Chiquito, rt. 12, 6.5 km SW jct. rt. 2, 9°42.180'N, 83°58.200'W, el 1980 m, 10.iv.1987, Holzenthal, Hamilton, Heyn, 1 male (pinned) (UMSP).

Etymology.

This species is named Oecetis uncata from the Latin word uncus, a hook, and referring here to the hooked apex of the phallobase of this species.